Former English footballer on gambling addiction: it's essential to talk.

2025-05-21 12:36

A former professional footballer, who became addicted to gambling while trying to fit in with his teammates, is now urging others with similar addictions to confide in someone.

WANTED TO FEEL PART OF A COMMUNITY

Tony Kelly signed a contract with Bristol City at the age of 16 and finished playing two years later in London, where his addiction began.

He told John Darvall at BBC Bristol that he moved to London as a "quiet" teenager who wanted to "feel a sense of belonging to a community."

"When I saw the older players going to betting shops to place football bets, it was a great opportunity and way to connect with them," he said.

In December 2024, NHS England reported that nearly 2,000 people were referred to gambling clinics from April to September, compared to 800 during the same period in 2023.

CAREER ENDED WITH DEBTS AND BANKRUPTCY FILING

T. Kelly, who hails from Coventry, started gambling on horse and football bets, later moving on to dog racing bets.

After spending a year in professional football, he got involved in casinos and ended his career at the age of 30, owing more than £500,000.

"I often wonder about myself: how did I reach a point of no return? I lost absolutely everything," T. Kelly said.

He added that gambling also cost him two homes and numerous problems in personal relationships, and in 2009, he filed for bankruptcy.

START OF RECOVERY – A BOOK

In 2013, he wrote and published a book called "Red Card," in which he spoke about his addiction and career, which he says was the start of his recovery.

"When I went to 'BBC Breakfast' to promote the book, it was everything, as the feedback was incredible. It opened my eyes to how many people have faced gambling addiction.

Then I realized how I had denied it for so many years. It was a huge burden lifted off my shoulders."

In an effort to help others struggling with gambling addiction, T. Kelly founded the "Red Card Gambling Project" and wrote a second book about his journey to recovery.

"I warn and strongly encourage all gamblers – before you hit rock bottom, you may have wins, but in the long run, this addiction will still destroy you. You have to confide in someone about your secrets, you have to talk, because ultimately you will hit rock bottom, or worse."

Gambling Commission